New Natalie Wood Death Report: Bruising Occurred Before Actress Entered Water

See what the coroner says regarding the injuries found on the Hollywood legend's body

By Baker Machado Jan 14, 2013 7:01 PMTags
Natalie WoodGlobe Photos/Zuma Press

The mystery surrounding Natalie Wood's death continues to be far from over.

Especially in light of a report released Monday by the Los Angeles County Coroner's office that seems to call into question the original 1981 coroner's report that concluded the late star had died accidentally.

The report states "there were recent bruises to the back of the left thigh. A few day old bruises were on the back of the right thigh and knee but there were fresh bruises and scratches to the right posterior leg."

It also notes, "The location of the bruises, the multiplicity of the bruises, lack of head trauma, or facial bruising support bruising having occurred prior to the entry into the water."

Wood was originally believed to have accidentally drowned off the coast of Catalina Island on Nov. 28, 1981. Her husband, actor Robert Wagner, said she had fallen off their yacht, possibly while trying to retie a dinghy that had been banging against the side of the boat, disturbing her sleep.

In 2011, the investigation into her death was reopened after new information surfaced from several sources, including the captain of the yacht.

The Hollywood legend's death certificate was later amended by authorities in August 2012, changing the cause of death from "accidental" to "undetermined."

The latest report, however, does refrain from speculating on what actually happened on that fateful night over 30 years ago.